Portland, Oregon Local News
Level 3 ‘Go Now’ evacuations ordered for Larch Creek Fire burning in Wasco County
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The fire has burned 7,100 acres and is zero percent contained.
WASCO COUNTY, Ore — Crews are battling a wildfire burning near Friend in Wasco County, around 16 miles south of The Dalles. The fast-growing fire, called the Larch Creek Fire, started Tuesday afternoon and is estimated to be 7,100 acres as of Wednesday morning.
The fire, burning with “moderate to high speed,” is zero percent contained. There are no reports of destroyed structures, but high temperatures, low humidity, difficult terrain and increased winds are major key factors. Evacuation orders have been issued for people living in the area.
- Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders have been issued for the Larch Creek Fire for residences from Friend Road, east to Elliott Road and Highway 197, south to Badger Creek Road, west to McCorkle Grade Road.
- Level 2 “Be Set” evacuation warnings have been issued from Fairgrounds Road, east to Highway 197, north to Shadybrook road, south to Fairgrounds Road.
- Level 1 “Be Ready” evacuation warnings have been issued from Badger Creek Road/Fairgrounds Road, south to Rock Creek Dam Road/Wamic Market Road, west to Threemile Road, and east to Highway 197. A new Level 1 area is Elliott Road, east to Kingsley Road/Dufur Gap Road, north to Friend Road and south to Level 3 border.
The Wasco County Fairgrounds is temporarily designated as an evacuation point for people and livestock. A Red Cross evacuation shelter is opening at Maupin High School.
On Tuesday evening, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act, which allows more fire support to assist local emergency responders battling the fire. The Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is mobilizing its Green Incident Management team, along with four structural task forces; three will be briefed early Wednesday morning, with another joining in the afternoon.
READ MORE: Wildfire coverage from KGW News
Multiple air resources, eight fire engines, a 20-person U.S. Forest Service Mount Hood hand crew, four bulldozers and “local landowner resources” are battling the fire. A Type 3 Central Oregon Fire Management Service team has been ordered to assist. On Wednesday morning, Clackamas fire and Corbett fire posted video of fire trucks leaving to help fight the fire.
Meanwhile, the area remains under a red flag warning for critical fire weather, OSFM said.
“The heat wave that has gripped Oregon significantly increased the fire danger across the state. The continued hot, dry conditions, and gusty winds are a dangerous combination,” said Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Travis Medema in a release Tuesday evening. “I am asking everyone to do what they can to prevent sparking a wildfire.”
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Here’s what evacuation levels mean
Level 1 Notice – Be Ready: Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area and monitor local media outlets for information. Residents with special needs should take note and begin making arrangements to evacuate. Evacuations at this time are voluntary.
Level 2 Notice – Be Set: This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready at a moment’s notice. Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate.
Level 3 Notice – Go Now: Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should leave immediately. Listen to local media and watch for emergency personnel who may be coming by to give further instructions regarding the evacuation.
This is a developing story and will be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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